John Grisham's 'The Innocent Man' Becomes Netflix Docuseries

The author is an executive producer of the series, which chronicles a murder in Oklahoma in the 1980s.

Netflix has teamed up with John Grisham for its newest true-crime docuseries, based on the author's nonfiction book The Innocent Man.

The six-part series, which shares a title with the book, will debut Dec. 14 on the streaming service. Grisham is an executive producer of the project and appears in on-camera interviews. Clay Tweel (Gleason, Print the Legend) directed.

The Innocent Man chronicles two murders in Ada, Okla., in the 1980s and the controversial chain of events that unfolded in the wake of the crimes. The case gained national attention when Grisham published his book in 2006 (though it had been largely resolved prior to that).

It combines interviews with people involved in the case — including the victims' friends and families, journalists and Innocence Project co-founder Barry Scheck, who worked on the appeals — with archival footage and photos.

"As a filmmaker I often find that the best stories are the ones we tell ourselves, but what surprised me was the extent to which that idea also permeates the criminal justice system," said Tweel. "By re-examining these old cases I hope that viewers will identify the biases involved, even their own."

Added Grisham, "The documentary series of The Innocent Man is gripping, compelling and ultimately just as heartbreaking as the book. Though I know the story well, I can’t wait to watch it again."

Grisham and Tweel executive produce the series with Ross Dinerstein and David Gernert. Maura Anderson and Shannon Riggs are producers.